Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration

Definition: Macular degeneration is an age-related degradation of the retina. The area of the retina which is responsible for the center of vision, called the macula, is preferentially involved in this disease, while other parts of the retina are generally spared. Macular degeneration is classified as “Dry” or “Wet.” In Dry Macular Degeneration, pebble-like calcifications in the retina, called drusen, may form in the retina, and the retinal cells may slowly waste away through a process called atrophy. In Wet Macular Degeneration, new blood vessels may begin to grow under the retina, causing swelling and scarring of the retinal tissues.

The leading cause of poor vision among seniors, this condition is caused by the breakdown of the macula, the center part of the retina. It can cause gray, hazy or missing areas in the vision. For persons over 60, age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of poor vision.

Cause: The cause of macular degeneration is unknown. It occurs almost exclusively in older persons, and is the leading cause of poor vision in persons over age 60. Smoking, high cholesterol or having family members with the disease may increase a person’s risk of developing macular degeneration.

Symptoms: Macular degeneration causes a decreased function of the central retina, the part which is used to see when looking directly at an object. A patient may notice that objects they are looking at are becoming gray or hazy, rather than clear. Later, parts of the object may appear to be missing. Sometimes, lines that should be straight, such as door frames, suddenly become wavy or blurred.

Treatment: While there is no cure for macular degeneration, there are a number of medical and laser treatment options available that may slow or even halt the process. A new class of drugs has shown great promise in helping prevent further damage from Wet Macular Degeneration. A specific formulation of vitamins, studied by the National Institutes of Health, has also been shown to slow the progression of Dry Macular Degeneration in patients with moderate to severe disease. For more information on eye vitamins, please visit http://www.nei.nih.gov/amd/

Prognosis: Macular Degeneration is typically slowly progressive. Most patients will suffer only mild to moderate degrees of visual loss over a long course of time. However, if Wet Macular Degeneration develops, vision loss can occur more quickly and be more severe. Patients may occasionally regain a little vision with laser and drug treatments, but generally, vision that is lost cannot be restored.